Chapter 10 Being Scolded "I...I admire you."

The first day after the rest day is the regular morning meeting.

Today's topic is attracting customers.

After summarizing last week's work and making arrangements for this week, Zhang Xiaoli began to seriously evaluate and analyze the design department's insufficient customer acquisition targets.

Most people have not met their targets. According to the quarterly targets mentioned before, the deadline has arrived, and the monthly targets mentioned this month are just around the corner.

"Only two people have achieved both targets, and everyone should learn from them!"

"Many people have completed one target but are still one short. You need to step up your efforts and not give up. Don't give up on the 'lying down' approach here!"

"If you haven't finished by the deadline, don't come crying when it's payday!"

"Most of you have families! You need to be responsible for your families!"

...

During the meeting, Zhang Xiaoli specifically named two people, saying that they had an improper attitude and were passive in developing clients.

Bai Ye was in a state of high anxiety. She was the only person in the design department who hadn't been assigned monthly targets, but to make matters worse, she hadn't met her quarterly targets either!

She was worried from beginning to end that she would be the next one to be criticized.

Meeting adjourned!

These two words sounded like heavenly music in the oppressive meeting room, and everyone hurriedly ran back to their workstations.

"Designer Bai, could you stay for a moment?"

Bai Yeke had just stood up with her notebook in her arms, head down, preparing to quietly hide in the crowd, but now she had no choice but to stand at attention.

After the crowd had dispersed, Zhang Xiaoli looked at her and sighed.

"Do you know that you're the one with the worst performance record?"

Bai Ye dared not utter a sound.

“You’re currently handling the orders from the Yi family, and we’ve already given you a lot of help. This time is no exception. I just criticized all the other designers by name, as you saw. The reason I left you until last and spoke to you alone here is to save you some face.”

Bai Ye understood and agreed with these words, which made her feel even more guilty and depressed.

"While you are indeed the newest designer in our department, and we should understand and give you room to grow in many ways, this cannot be an excuse for you to escape reality."

“You haven’t been out of school for long and have just started taking on important responsibilities, so it’s understandable that you sometimes have a moment of confusion. Young people are just concerned about their image, I know. Many of you are unwilling to seek out friends and family to develop clients.”

“But that’s how it is now. If you’re unwilling to do something, someone else is. When people judge a person, don’t they first look at their income? If you’re unwilling to attract clients now, when it’s time to get paid, others will be overjoyed because they’ll earn more than you. So who’s looking down on whom, and who’s losing face? No one will remember that you were unwilling to do this job because you were too proud. They’ll only remember that you were incompetent and didn’t earn enough!”

Aloofness... Bai Ye felt like she was almost living in poverty.

But in the end, it's still the same old sales pitch.

Before Bai Ye was officially hired, she was tired of hearing the sales department's motivational rhetoric. She never expected that this rhetoric would now be used in their design department.

“Xiao Bai, as a new designer, unlike the established veterans, you still have a lot of potential. If you adjust your mindset now, you will be the easiest to integrate into the times.”

"This is no longer the closed-off era of the past. Oh, technicians just do technology, and professionals just do their jobs? It's not that simple! If you don't adapt quickly, you'll really be left behind!"

Bai Ye can adopt a humble attitude of listening to lectures and accepting reprimands.

She actually understands and agrees with this principle, but understanding and doing are two different things.

It's an objective fact that she doesn't have the same family background or upbringing as others, and her network of connections is limited.

Subjectively, Bai Yeke is new to society and hasn't yet been tainted by the thick-skinned ways of the working class.

Or should she really try harder? Or try to be more open-minded?

On one hand, she urgently needs to establish herself and leave home. Bai Yeke has already made up her mind to work hard and move towards maturity and independence. On the other hand, there is a conflict of ideas. When she really encounters something against her conscience, it is so hard for her to give up her original intention.

Sigh, work is so hard.

Just as Bai Yeke was feeling exhausted and conflicted, she suddenly caught a glimpse of someone standing at the door.

It's Yi Sheng!

He was wearing a white shirt, gray trousers, and a long gray trench coat of the same color draped over his arm.

Her eyebrows and eyes were sharp, with a bright and flamboyant look, but she seemed not to care much as she looked this way.

When the morning meeting ended, everyone left one by one, but no one closed the door properly. So the door was wide open, and every sound from inside could be heard.

When did she appear? What did she hear?

Bai Ye was shocked; her mind went blank.

Zhang Xiaoli continued to express her earnestness and disappointment.

Bai Yeke couldn't let her continue this time, and quickly replied, "Okay, manager, I will definitely keep working hard!"

Zhang Xiaoli nodded. "Okay, that's all for today. Oh, and there's something else I need to remind you of. Share the company's posts on WeChat Moments more often. Maybe clients will come to you on their own. Plus, your existing clients will think you're more professional!"

As she turned to leave, Zhang Xiaoli noticed Yi Sheng standing at the door.

She was also completely shocked.

"Mr. Yi." As a department manager, Zhang Xiaoli's ability to react on the spot was actually quite ordinary, but she also knew that she had to react appropriately for her position. She suppressed her shock and put on a businesslike, ingratiating smile. "You've arrived."

Other staff members brought over water cups.

Yi Sheng didn't take it. "Thank you, but no need."

"What brings you here today?" Zhang Xiaoli quickly approached.

"Of course it's because my house is being renovated." Yi Sheng feigned a puzzled expression; otherwise, why would she be here?

"Yes, yes, yes," Zhang Xiaoli quickly replied. "Designer Bai is here! Please feel free to ask."

Yi Sheng, with a casual expression, chatted as if he were just an ordinary customer, asking, "Were you just discussing sales performance?"

"Uh, yes." Zhang Xiaoli didn't dare to lie through her teeth. It was obvious that Yi Sheng had already heard part of what she said, so she could only try to improve her image. "Our designer Bai is undoubtedly excellent in design. He is very professional, but he is just too focused on his profession. Hehe, we are just a small store, so we have some pressure to achieve our goals. We can only rely on everyone to work together."

That's a polite way of putting it.

Bai Ye was ashamed. She knew that she was professional enough, but she was far from being able to disregard the company because of that.

Zhang Xiaoli's words were too flattering. Although she knew it was meant to leave Yi Sheng with the impression of being a "top-notch" professional, she still found it difficult to accept such high praise naturally.

Yi Sheng smiled faintly, "That's good."

This woman is indeed a capitalist; she actually approves of this ridiculous mechanism?

Bai Ye was furious. Sure enough, capitalists can't empathize with them, no matter how good-looking they are!

However, Yi Sheng's words easily eased the tension on the scene, sending a signal that Yi Sheng did not care about their little admonition in the meeting room, and even had a good impression of their "sky-high" group.

Zhang Xiaoli breathed a sigh of relief, her smile brightening considerably. "So, what part of the renovation did you come here for today?"

"Choosing something."

"Oh, yes, yes, it's time to get to this point." Zhang Xiaoli nodded in agreement. "Then let Designer Bai take you to see it, and I'll accompany you."

Actually, in terms of status, it shouldn't be Zhang Xiaoli, the department manager, who should be accompanying such a major client who comes with the impression of cooperation. The store manager should be the one to accompany them.

But in this emergency, Zhang Xiaoli has to step in, and she will send someone to find the store manager to replace her later.

Zhang Xiaoli had thought it through, but Yi Sheng politely declined.

“No need for anyone to accompany me, I’ll just take a look with Designer Bai,” Yi Sheng added. “I trust her professionalism.”

Indeed, Zhang Xiaoli repeatedly emphasized Bai Yeke's professionalism, so there's nothing wrong with that.

Zhang Xiaoli was speechless and could only laugh it off. Seeing Yi Sheng call out, Bai Ye could only lead the way in a perfunctory manner.

"What should we look at first?" Yi Sheng asked.

"The tiles," Bai Yeke replied formally. "Now that the plumbing and electrical work is finished, the tiles have arrived."

"oh."

They arrived at the tile display area.

With a clear goal in mind, Bai Ye led Yi Sheng to several areas of tiles similar to those in her renderings.

“These few are all quite suitable, take a look,” Bai Yeke pointed.

The tiles are displayed upright, with overhead lights shining down, making the tile patterns very clear.

Yi Sheng had one hand in his pocket and the other draped over his coat.

It was at this moment that the store manager arrived late. He was not tall, and he deliberately bent down slightly when facing Yi Sheng. As a result, he looked slightly shorter than Yi Sheng, and seemed to be overshadowed by Yi Sheng's aura.

"Mr. Yi, I'm so sorry, please give us this coat." He gestured for Yi Sheng to give them the coat.

"No need, thank you." Yi Sheng looked at him. "What brings the store manager here?"

"Hehe." The shop manager didn't press the matter, knowing that some people don't like others touching their personal belongings. "I'll come and keep you company."

Looking at the shop manager's ingratiating smile, Bai Yeke felt that ever since that meal, the shop manager had a kind of fear of facing Yi Sheng, but also a kind of obligation to bite the bullet and take the initiative to face him.

"I'll just have Designer Bai take a look." Yi Sheng repeated the same thing, but the implication of getting rid of him was quite clear.

"Well, okay then." The store manager had no choice but to agree, afraid of annoying people. "Just let Designer Bai call me anytime if you need anything."

After the store manager left, Yi Sheng seemed to be in a good mood, his gaze falling on Bai Yeke, signaling to continue.

Alright, even the store manager and general manager have failed at this business of pleasantries, so Bai Yeke, a mere designer, is even less capable of it. So let's just do as Yi Sheng says. Bai Yeke keeps her eyes down, gives a proper introduction, and doesn't say another word.

After introducing these items, Yi Sheng still kept one hand in his pocket and the other draped over his clothes, without any change in his expression.

Bai Ye asked somewhat helplessly, "Mr. Yi, have you found anyone you like?"

Yi Sheng: "Which one do you recommend?"

"I think these are all good options."

Bai Ye had seen some homeowners who were indecisive and liked to ask the designer for advice, but Yi Sheng didn't seem to be that kind of person at all. She was more like the kind of person who would ignore everyone else if she liked something, no matter what the designer recommended.

“I recommend these three,” Bai Yeke explained to her. “The glossy ones are easier to clean, while the soft ones tend to trap dirt and grime and look dirty.”

"Then why are there still soft-focus ones? Why not just phase them out?" Yi Sheng asked her.

“Because soft lighting is more…” Bai Yeke hesitated, “…more upscale.”

This doesn't mean that soft lighting is necessarily more expensive or better, but rather that the effect it creates gives people a grand and comfortable feeling.

Of course, many people also like the bright feeling of glossy tiles, which makes the whole room more well-lit and gives it a sunny feel.

Bai Ye thought that Yi Sheng's house would eventually be allocated to high-level talents. Those talents must be very busy. After all, the Yi family spent a lot of money to bring them in and provided them with housing. They can't just be people who eat and do nothing. Workaholics like that obviously don't have time to tidy up their homes. Glossy tiles are the most suitable.

But her answer drew a question from Yi Sheng: "Designer Bai, do you think I'm not suitable for high-end work?"

? !

Yi Sheng was utterly bewildered and terribly panicked.

What does this have to do with anything?

Does Miss Yi find pleasure in deliberately making things difficult for people? This woman is such a smooth talker!

“Of course not,” Bai Yeke explained immediately. “Glossy tiles can look very high-end when paired well, and they are also very easy to maintain.”

"Easy to maintain?"

"Yes, if you don't want to hire someone to clean, you can easily clean it with just a robot vacuum and mop."

Doesn't this perfectly suit the needs of a workaholic? Workaholics probably don't like being disturbed by outsiders at home, right?

Yi Sheng nodded. "I don't mind. So, Miss Bai doesn't like having outsiders come to clean her house?"

Why are you asking about her again?

Bai Yeke really wanted to ask, "Wait, boss, are you planning to use this house to attract me as a talent? Why do you keep asking me this?"

"I can't afford to hire anyone," Bai Yeke said ambiguously.

Finally, Yi Sheng listened to Bai Yeke's recommendation and chose a glossy one.

"I don't think I did anything to Santian."

When the two wandered over to the bathroom fixtures section, Yi Sheng suddenly said something.

"Um?"

"My attitude towards you and Santen should be quite clear, can't you tell?"

This topic suddenly became very big.

Given Bai Yeke's position, discussing this topic with the bigwigs from the client side seems rather unequal, yet Yi Sheng still asked the question anyway.

Yi Sheng seemed genuinely puzzled, "Why are your store manager and the others somewhat..." She carefully chose her words, "...afraid of me?"

"No, it's just that I value you." Bai Ye replied politely, but inwardly she wanted to say, "Miss, don't you know why? The impression you give to the outside world, your actions towards Jiu Wang..."

These are all things that make one very wary!

Besides, with your conversational skills, I'm even a little afraid of you!

"Oh." Yi Sheng remained noncommittal to her answer, then asked again, "And you? Aren't you afraid of me? Don't you value me too?"

Bai Ye forced a smile.

The emphasis is at the company level, but for her, as a tiny ant, that word doesn't seem quite right. So how should we put it?

Bai Ye looked into her deep eyes and said, "I...I admire you."

A note from the author:

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